As in the past, the ban will be in place for the entire month. Residents will be informed when the city lifts the ban.

“Each year we respond to numerous unnecessary and preventable grass fires during the month of April,” said Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst.

These emergencies put “our residents and firefighters in unnecessary danger. The cost of responding to these fires places a tremendous strain on the fire department budget. By implementing the April burn ban annually we will mitigate the risks and reduce unnecessary costs associated with these fires.”

The ban does not apply to those with agricultural or special burn permits as special conditions already apply in such circumstances. However, safe practices should be followed at all times when setting a fire.